“It's a request I want to make of you, ma'am,” she said.
“Well, Biddy, I will listen to it if you will ask me properly,” said Mrs. O'Shanaghgan.
“Yes, to be sure,” said Biddy. “How shall I say it?”
“Speak quietly, my dear.”
“Yes, Biddy, I do wish you would take pattern by Nora, and by Mrs. O'Shanaghgan,” said Mrs. Murphy, who in her heart of hearts envied Mrs. O'Shanaghgan's icy manners, and thought them the most perfect in all the world. She was in mortal fear of this good lady, even more terrified of her than her husband was.
“Well, Biddy,” said Mrs. O'Shanaghgan.
“May Nora come and spend tomorrow night here?”
“No,” was on Mrs. O'Shanaghgan's lips; but just then the Squire came forward.
“To be sure she may; it will do her a sight of good. The child hardly ever goes from home.”
Mrs. O'Shanaghgan raised displeased eyes to her husband's face.